Nine Madison students achieve Presidential Scholars status

(PHOTO/JOHN ALLEN)

MADISON – Seven Bob Jones High School seniors and two private school students in Madison have been selected as candidates for the coveted U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The candidates are Sarah Buckelew, Cassidy Elliott, David Gunther, Daniel Lang, Olivia McCoy, Mugdha Mokashi and Clara Wan.

Other candidates from Madison are Shelby Aughtman of Life Christian Academy and Jennifer Walker of Westminster Christian Academy.

“Inclusion in the scholars program is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, effectively guaranteeing them a scholarship and drawing praise for their intellect and their school,” John Peck said. Peck works as public relations manager for Madison City Schools.

With 12 candidates, Vestavia Hills was the only high school that exceeded Bob Jones. Hoover High School had six candidates, while Huntsville and Mountain Brook high schools had five each.

Nationwide, more than 3,000 students were nominated for the scholars program, “which draws from the 3 million-plus students projected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year,” Peck said.

“We have high expectations in Madison and our students continuously rise to the challenge,” superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler said. “I am proud for them and am grateful to the parents, teachers and community who share our commitment to education excellence.”

A total of 74 students from Alabama have been nominated this year, based on grades and nomination letters from school officials.

A panel of educators will review candidates, select 500 semifinalists in early April and eventually name 141 Presidential Scholars. Judging criteria includes superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character traits and community and school involvement.

In 2013, David Hergenroeder and Martin Wang from Bob Jones were named Presidential Scholars. “With only 141 Presidential Scholars from 3.2 million graduating seniors, the odds of two coming from the same state, much less the same school system and even less likely the same high school, were phenomenal,” Peck said.